HandH december issue by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

D ecem b e r 2 0 1 3

Great Holiday Recipes and Our Last-Minute Gift Guide Inside!

This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

www.STLHandHMag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Wade Brewer

DESIGN Josh West

FEATURES EDITOR Andrew Brewer

A note from the editor... Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year again, time for the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season. In this issue, we have included a last minute gift guide to help with any of those people that you may be having trouble trying to figure out what to buy. We also have some great recipes for all of your holiday entertaining with everything form amazing appetizers and drinks to delicious cinnamon rolls.

WEBSITE & FEEDBACK www.STLHandHMag.com Editor@STLHandHMag.com

Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

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As with every issue, we have also included a list of some wonderful activities that you can do in and around the St. Louis area. There are some great New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve events that you can attend and even a birthday party for Raja at the St. Louis Zoo. All of us at St. Louis Home and Happenings magazine would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best during this holiday season and want to remind you that if you have a great idea for a story or would like for us to include an event in an upcoming issue please contact me at Editor@STLHandHMag.com.

Wade Brewer Editor-in-chief

CONTENTS

Very Merry Gifts for Everyone

Great Gifts for Your Favorite Foodie

Gifts for Guys

Kitchen Must Haves

HOLIDAY RECIPE GUIDE

Ho Ho Holiday Treats

Holiday Cocktails

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

A New Twist on a Holiday Snack Tradition

Happenings

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Last Minute Gift Guide Great Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List

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olidays are always more festive and fun once you’ve bought a sleigh full of gifts for everyone on your list. Make all of your family and friends merry this year with great gift ideas, like a classic toy. Stuffing their stocking with the gift of good vision and eye health is also a wonderful way to put a smile on anyone’s face. Perhaps, you need a gift for the music lover in the family. Tails will be wagging when you give a snuggly gift to your favorite furry companion. And, there’s nothing more thoughtful than a beautiful, customized photo scrapbook created by you. After all, nothing makes the holidays happier than knowing your gifts will bring joy to all the special people on your list.

Enjoy the Beauty of the Holiday Season with the Gift of Sight

Give the gift of good vision to someone you care about this holiday season. With affordable individual and family vision benefits available directly to consumers from VSP Direct™, you can affordably give the same high-quality vision coverage many employers offer. Benefits include an eye exam with a low copay and an allowance for glasses or contacts. VSP® offers the lowest out-of-pocket costs in individual vision care with typical annual savings of $227. Visit www.givevsp.com for more details.

Adorable Toys for Little Girls

Calico Critters, like the Hopscotch Rabbit Family shown here, make an ideal gift for imaginative little girls. If you are looking for a timeless, classic toy that promotes wholesome family values and stimulates imaginative play, there is no better choice than Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners. These award-winning critters are just adorable. Choose from rabbits, dogs, cats, bears and many other animal families plus a wide range of accessories. Find out more at www.calicocritters.com.

For the Music Lover

Presents for Your Pet

Here’s a cute gift for your pet or any pet lover that also helps save homeless pets. The Luv-A-Pet™ Chance and Lucky plush dog toys, available exclusively at PetSmart, make great snuggling companions for your pet and each has a squeaker inside for play time fun. And this year, Superman Chance, Mrs. Chance and Bret Michaels Chance join the family. Priced from $5.99 to $8.99, 10 percent of the purchase price is donated to PetSmart Charities, which provides funding and programs that save the lives of homeless pets across North America. The toys are available in all PetSmart stores or online at www.petsmart.com.

Everyone on your list will love the Samsung Galaxy S4 Android smartphone from Cricket. With a large, vibrant 5-inch screen, excellent camera quality and Cricket’s exclusive Muve Music service, you might even sneak one for yourself. The GS4 with Muve Music is great for the music lover who doesn’t want to spend a fortune. Cricket has unlimited music downloads, talk, text and data starting at $45 a month ... even Santa is a little jealous. Visit www.mycricket.com. Samsung Galaxy S4 — As low as $25 down

This Season’s Most Thoughtful Gift: A Beautiful Blurb Book, Made by You

Blurb’s creative publishing platform is simple and smart enough to help anyone make a beautiful book — every blogger, cook, photographer, parent, traveler, poet, architect, business owner, you name it. And Blurb books make perfect one-of-a-kind gifts. Not cookie-cutter, drag-and-drop photo scrapbooks, but personalized bookstore-quality books that come in a variety of sizes. With a variety of cover options and photo-quality paper choices, Blurb offers the perfect solution for holiday gifting: Truly unique and beautiful books. Visit www.blurb.com. $12.99 to $69.99

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Great Gifts For Your Favorite Foodie Want to give that special someone the trendiest gifts and gadgets of the season? Head over to the nearest kitchen store or gourmet grocer. The hottest gifts this year are for foodies. From the ultimate electric kettle to premium cookware to a delightful wine for any occasion, this gift guide has everything you need to make someone’s holiday very merry.

Go Gourmet with Non-Stick Cookware

Want a special gift for your favorite cook? This cookware set, available in copper or bronze colored nonstick interior, features a black high-fired porcelain enamel exterior. Learn more at www.NothingMessesWithIt. com. Made in USA, the premium DuPont™ Teflon® Platinum nonstick interior coating provides easy cooking and cleanup. The cookware is also compatible with gas, electric and ceramic glass cook-tops and oven safe up to 350°F.

Electric Kettle Elevates Tea Making

The KitchenAid Pro Line® Series Electric Kettle quietly boils water in minutes and has variable temperature settings for more delicate drinks, such as green and white teas. Easily set precise temperatures with an external lever and get a true reading from the built-in gauge. Dual wall construction helps keep the water temperature hotter, longer while keeping the outside of the kettle cool to the touch. The electric kettle is available in candy apple red, frosted pearl white and onyx black. Visit www.KitchenAid.com.

Give a Toast to Wine Enthusiasts

Need the perfect hostess gift or something special for the wine enthusiast in your life? Wines crafted with grapes grown in single vineyard offer enhanced aromas and flavors in the glass. Consider Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay which comes from San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey. This elegant wine offers enticing aromas golden delicious apples, pineapple and apricots. Medium-bodied with a creamy mid-palate, 446 Chardonnay exhibits flavors of peach and hints of toasty vanilla spice. Enjoy this delightful wine on its own or with soft cheeses, roasted fowl and baked yams. A suggested retail price of $12.99 makes it perfectly priced for any gift occasion. Find out more about 446 Chardonnay or Noble Vines at www.noblevines.com. 6 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Gift Savory Grain-Fed Beef

Make everyone on your list happy with The Ideal Gift Assortment from Omaha Steaks. This assortment features everyone’s favorites, including two filet mignons, two beefy top sirloins, four boneless pork chops and eight juicy Omaha Steaks burgers. The value combo also includes four stuffed baked potatoes and a 6-inch chocolate lover’s cake to complete any meal. For more flavorful grain-fed beef and gourmet gift ideas, visit www.omahasteaks.com/ holiday2013.

Gifts for the Guys Having trouble picking the perfect holiday gift for that special guy in your life? Check out these unique gift ideas even the most finicky of men would love to get. Whether he digs the decadence of robust red wines, useful techie toys, the speed of a radio controlled ride or the thrill of an outdoor adventure, use this guide to take the guesswork out of holiday shopping and give him what he really wants. After all, every man deserves something special under the tree.

Intense and Elegant, Just Like Him

www.gasconwine.com $13.99 to $21.99 A gift says a lot. Some just say it better. For that special man in your life, Don Miguel Gascón offers three unique wines, each with its own distinct personality and a distinguished Argentine heritage. For complex but confident men on your list, go for the bold with the Colosal Red Blend. A guy who’s nothing short of a classic? Make it Malbec. And for that elegant gent with signature style, reserve the Malbec Reserva.

For Guys Who Love Gadgets

www.zBoost.com Available for under $200 at most e-tailers Nothing is more annoying than dropping or missing a call because of a weak signal. The zBoost SOHO cell phone signal booster kit increases signals up to 2500 square feet, making it perfect for your man cave or home office. Readily available at most e-tailers for under $200, the device supports multiple users simultaneously with increased voice and data transmission. This holiday, give him the gift of reliability with this helpful tool.

Boatloads of Joy

www.takemefishing.org Prices vary Put together a gift that can be enjoyed all year long with a fishing and boating package for your outdoor adventurer. Creatively wrap a new rod and reel, add a fishing license to his stocking or spoil him even further with a charter boat trip. He’ll be glad for the fishing package instead of the mug when spring arrives. For details on purchasing a fishing license, how to fish and where to fish, visit www.takemefishing.org.

Go for a Drive

www.RadioShack.com $14.99 to $59.99 XMODs are back by popular demand. These versatile, fully customizable RC cars and kits are fun for men of any age. Begin with a XMODs starter kit then build and change your RC toy with any of our accessory expansion kits. Exclusively at RadioShack, your RC Headquarters since 1981.

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Kitchen Must Haves A Better Brew

www.keurig.com $179.00 Create the perfect cup of coffee every time with the Keurig K-Cup Platinum Brewing System. This single cup brewer allows you to choose between five different cup sizes to brew your favorite coffee, tea, hot cocoa or specialty beverage with the simple touch of a button. With a sleek design and avail ability in three colors, your favorite foodie will love adding it to their kitchen or office.

A Sharp Gift

www.cutco.com $241.00 Whether you’re a master cook or you aspire to be one, every one needs a good set of highquality kitchen knives. CUTCO Cutlery’s Kitchen Classics Set is the perfect foundation to build on for any home cook. The Petite Chef Knife, Trimmer and 2 3/4-inch Paring Knife will have you chopping, slicing and dicing like your favorite food celebrity. American made and carrying a Forever Guarantee, they’ll quickly become kitchen favorites. 8 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

A Great Find for Foodies

snacksthebook.com $19.99 Should you take a bath with your strawberries or blow dry your chicken? Clever culinary insights are offered in small bites in “Snacks: Adventures in Food, Aisle by isle,” a book by food adventurer Marcy Smothers. The perfect gift for the foodies on your list, the book takes the reader on a grocery store journey, revealing Smothers’ knowledge, quirky fun facts, and great passion for exploring food.

In the Kitchen, the Little Things Matter

facebook.com/olivarioliveoil $6.00 to $12.00 Great dishes start with the finest ingredients, such as the superior quality of Olivari olive oil. The people at Olivari believe it’s the little things that help make great olive oil. From harvesting olives so they never touch the ground to staying eco-friendly by making sure nothing goes to waste. This holiday, give the thoughtful cook in your life a gift that embodies care, quality and excellence.

To view all of our current listings or to try our Lifestyle Search, please visit

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Holiday Recipe Guide Fast and Easy Treats to Make You Holidays a Little Tastier

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Simple Appetizers for Your Holiday Gathering Kick off your holiday parties in style with flavorful appetizers every guest will enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host or a first-timer, throwing a holiday party can be a bit overwhelming. But with the proper tools, such as a great sampling of easy-tomake appetizers and delicious beverage pairings, you and your guests will get in the festive mood in no time. Simple starters When planning your appetizer fare, go with casual selections that require little to no clean-up. Finger foods, like this recipe for Sweet Slice® Ham Sliders, require just a few savory, mouth-watering ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen. Or, take some inspiration from the menus of Italian restaurants and wine bars and create an old world-inspired charcuterie board composed of Boar’s Head Brand® artisan meats and cheeses. Here are a few tips to create your own:

ter or cutting board. Accessorize by adding fruits, nuts, olives, grapes and honey for dipping. Be sure to offer textural contrasts with dippers, such as whole grain crackers, crusted breads, breadsticks and crostini. •Cheers to your success: Pair a great wine or beer with your choice of meat and cheese. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon goes great with a dry salami, while dark beers pair perfectly with aged Gouda. So, get your party started right with a delicious assortment of appetizers and just relax. As long as the drinks and delicious foods are flowing, the good times will as well.

•Delight and prime guests’ palates: Use one to two ounces of cheese and three slices of meat per person. This will give your guests a mix of salty and savory items to delight their palates but not overwhelm them before the main course. •Arm independent snackers: Don’t fully pre-cut your cheese choices. To give guests the most interaction with the delicacies, slice a few pieces and then pair a knife with each selection. •Choose the cheese: The cheese selection should also be diverse and include a minimum of a fresh, semi-soft, firm and hard cheese. Try Boar’s Head Asiago Vecchio Cheese, Picante Sharp Provolone Cheese and Aged Gouda. For more tasty ideas, visit www.boarshead.com. •Match your meat: You’ll want to display a variety of charcuterie including cured, smoked and preserved meats. Boar’s Head Bianco D’Oro® Italian Dry Salame, Italian Dry Sausage and Prosciutto Di Parma® are robust and delicious. •Add the finishing touches: Recreate the artisan culinary experience by placing meats and cheeses on a wood plat-

Sweet Slice® Ham Sliders Serves: 8 Cooking time: 10 minutes 8 appetizer size rolls 1/2 cup apple butter 4 slices Sweet Slice Boneless Smoked Ham, sliced thick 4 slices Whole Milk Low Moisture Mozzarella Cheese, sliced thick Slice rolls and spread with apple butter. Cut ham and cheese slices in half to fit on roll. Add one slice each of ham and cheese to roll. Arrange on dish and serve.

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Festive Peppermint Twists

Dark Cocoa, Light Cocoa, Green or White Candy Melts Candy Peppermint Twisted Sticks Candy Assorted Holiday Sprinkles, including Holiday Nonpareils, Confetti and Jimmies, Red and Green Colored Sugars Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, separately melt Candy Melts candy in microwave following package instructions. Dip peppermint sticks into melted candy; tap stick lightly to smooth surface. Immediately add sprinkles. Set on prepared cookie sheet; chill until set, 5 to 10 minutes.

Cheery Cereal Tree Treats

Nothing says home for the holidays like the smell of treats baking in the oven and a crowded kitchen filled with loved ones. Whether making decades-old family favorites or starting new holiday baking traditions, you can create homemade holiday goodies in a (ginger) snap. “The holidays are a time when families are in the kitchen at record rates to bake cookies, build gingerbread houses and create a wide variety of sweet treats,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “The good news is, even if you only have 30 minutes to spare during this hectic time, you can make amazing desserts for gatherings or gifting.” Try these easy treat ideas from Wilton to spread holiday cheer:

Holiday Helpers: Invite family and friends for a cookie decorating day to help prepare gifts for upcoming events. You provide the Sparkling Sugars and Sprinkles, Peppermint Twisted Sticks and red and green icing ... everyone else provides the creativity. Miracle on Your Street: Crunched for time with a party to attend? Pick up ready-to-eat cookies and artfully dip them in red and green Candy Melts candy for an elegant upgrade. No one has to know how simple it was to create a customized dessert. Instant Snowman: Coat peanut butter sandwich cookies in white Candy Melts candy to create instant snowmen. Decorate with hats, scarves and, of course, carrot noses. It’s a Wrap: Turn your homemade treats into gourmet gifts. Stock up on holiday-themed gift bags and boxes, colorful tissue paper, ribbons and tags to transform made-from-the-heart goodies into extra special gifts. For more holiday ideas and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

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Makes about 12 treats 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 4 cups mini marshmallows Juniper or Leaf Green Icing Color 6 cups crisp rice cereal White Cookie Icing Jumbo Rainbow Nonpareils, Sprinkles or Sugars, as desired Prepare 3D Silicone Tree Mold and silicone spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray. In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marsh mallows; cook and stir until melted. Tint with icing color. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared mold. When cool to touch, remove from mold. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50 percent power for 30 to 60 seconds to soften.) Heat Cookie Icing following label direc tions. Squeeze snow and garlands on trees; add sprinkles and sugars as desired. Let dry.

Christmas Candy Swirl Cookies Makes about 2 dozen cookies. 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

-1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Red and Green Sparkle Gel Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray Easy Decorate Swirl Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray. In small bowl, combine flour and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture; beat until well blended. Press dough into pan cavities, filling 2/3 full. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown around edges. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn pan over; lightly tap pan to remove cookies. Cool cookies completely. Decorate cooled cookies with Sparkle Gel. Let set, at least 30 minutes.

sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Using candy decorating bag or disposable decorating bag, drizzle melted candy or pipe outlines, if desired; immediately sprinkle with sugars or nonpareils. Attach confetti with dots of melted candy. Chill 2 to 3 minutes or until set. With point of sharp knife, carefully cut through candy on the marshmallow where stick will be inserted. Insert three marshmallows onto each Colored Lollipop Stick, securing with melted candy.

Sweet Snowmen Cookies

White, Red, Green, Black and Orange Candy Melts Candy Peanut butter sandwich cookies Holiday Confetti, Holiday and Snowflake Mix Sprinkles Cinnamon Drops Black Sugar Pearls Silver Pearlized Sugar Melt white Candy Melts candy following package instructions. Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchmentlined cookie sheet. Spoon melted candy over top surface of cookie; chill 5 to 10

Jolly Santa’s Treat Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Red, Green and White Cookie Icing Red and Dark Green Colored Sugars White Sparkling or Pearlized Sugar White Sugar Pearls Preheat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls. On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Dip Cookie Hugger or “Ho-Ho” Word cookie cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool cookies completely. Outline and fill-in cooled cookies with Cookie Icing. For “Ho-Ho” cookies, sprinkle with sugars; let set until icing is completely dry. For snowflake cookie, add white Cookie Icing detail to dried cookie; attach Sugar Pearls with dots of icing.

Merry Marshmallow Sticks

White, Red, Green and Dark Cocoa Candy Melts candy Large Marshmallows Holiday Confetti, Nonpareils and Colored Sugars In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately following package instructions. Dip marshmallows in melted candy and place on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. If desired,

Fast and Festive Christmas Cookies

Green, Red, White, Light and Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy Assorted purchased ready-to-eat cookies Holiday Confetti, Nonpareils, Holly Mix, Colored Sugars and Sprinkles In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately following package instructions. Partially or completely dip cookies in melted candy. Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Additional decorating ideas: Drizzle with melted candy in a contrasting color. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set. Attach sprinkles with dots of melted candy. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set.

minutes or until set. Turn cookies over, candy side down, on cooling grid. Com pletely cover cookies with melted candy; chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Repeat, if needed, to completely cover cookie. To decorate snowmen, melt Candy Melts candy following package instructions as needed. Using red, green and white candy in candy or disposable decorating bag, pipe hats, ear muff band and scarves, adding colored sugar trim to candy before it sets. For ball cap, cut a Candy Melt candy wafer in half; attach with melted candy. Attach sprinkles for buttons, ear muffs and decorative accents using dots of melted candy. Using melted black candy and decorating bag, pipe facial features. Using melted orange candy and decorating bag, pipe nose.

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HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

‘Tis the season for entertaining, and festive cocktails are in fashion for gatherings large and small. This season, shake things up a bit. Trade in the punch bowl for a cocktail shaker and serve up some easy, fun and delicious egg-based cocktails for guests. But, if you’re asking if raw eggs are safe to use, the answer is “yes as long as you’re using pasteurized eggs.” Safest Choice Eggs are pasteurized in their shells using a warm water bath which eliminates the risk of salmonella. A red circle “P” stamped on the eggs lets you know they are safe.

Simple, sensational cocktails

Eggnog is a must-have for the season, and most everyone agrees that homemade tastes best. So start with the basics to make a perfect Shaken Eggnog Cocktail. A whole egg, cream, brandy or bourbon, some simple syrup and you’re on your way to cocktail bliss. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and it’s time for a toast with this creamy, slightly spicy take on eggnog. As a nod to another seasonal favorite, the cranberry, a Cranberry Fizz is just what the mixologist ordered. It’s an ethereal combination of orange liqueur, vodka and cranberry juice, accented with hints of lime and bitters. Add an egg white and give it a few shakes; the egg white provides a layer of foamy, frothy fizz. Egg whites have been used to give a “fizz” to cocktails since the late 1800s, so clink your glasses together to celebrate 14 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

this tradition, which can be enjoyed once again, thanks to pasteurized eggs.

Cocktails – and more

Pasteurized eggs aren’t just for cocktails. To insure safety, they should be used to make any recipe that calls for raw or gently cooked eggs – such as mayonnaise, chocolate mousse, Caesar salad dressing, sunny-side-up and poached eggs. So, cheers to happy sipping and remember: pasteurized = peace of mind. For recipes and more, please visit www.safeeggs.com.

Shaken Eggnog Cocktail Preparation Time: 10 minutes Makes: 2 servings

1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons milk 1-1/2 ounces brandy, bourbon or dark rum 1-12 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar (see note) 1 Safest Choice Pasteurized Egg, slightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Ice Pumpkin pie spice Place cream, milk, brandy, simple syrup, egg, vanilla and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until well blended. Pour into 2 glasses rimmed with pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Dust with additional pumpkin pie spice. Note: Simple syrup can be purchased in

beverage section of some supermarkets or specialty stores. To prepare at home, combine equal parts water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook until sugar dissolves; cool. Store in refrigerator. To add pumpkin pie spice rim to glasses, dip rim of glass into simple syrup or agave, then into shallow layer of pumpkin pie spice. Allow to dry.

Cranberry Fizz

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Makes: 2 servings 1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur 1 1/2 ounces vodka 3/4 cup cranberry juice 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 Safest Choice Pasteurized Egg white, slightly beaten Dash citrus bitters Ice Place orange liqueur, vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, egg white, dash of bitters and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until ingredients are blended. Pour into 2 glasses rimmed with sugar, if desired. To add sugar rim to glasses, dip rim of glass into citrus juice (orange, lemon or lime) then into shallow layer of colored sugars. Allow to dry. Note: Recipe may be doubled.

EASY CINNAMON ROLLS From cinnamon rolls to decadent desserts, baked goods have been at the heart of every holiday for generations. Of course, creating bakery-quality breads, pastries and holiday treats that look as delicious as they taste can be an intimidating task for home bakers. However, thanks to cookbook author and professional baker Gesine Bullock-Prado and premium ingredients, such as Red Star® Platinum Superior Baking Yeast®, it’s now easier than ever to create baked goods that are light, airy and look like they were purchased from a boutique bakery. Gesine recommends the following tips to achieve bakery-quality results: •Use the best quality ingredients you can find. Fresh yeast, baking powder or baking soda will give a tender, airy texture to your baked goods. Cakes and breads made with ingredients that are too old fall flat. Great flavorings, butter and eggs are also essential. •A premium yeast with dough enhancers, like Red Star Platinum Yeast, builds dough strength and tolerance. Using this type of product, which was previously unavailable to home bakers, means dough will be very forgiving should there be any variance in flour quality, kneading or rising time. The end result is increased “oven spring” and finished volume. Expect everyone to flock to your kitchen once the enticing smell of baked goods begins to fill your home. Your guests won’t be disappointed; Red Star guarantees it. For this recipe and more, visit www.redstaryeast.com.

Easy Cinnamon Rolls Dough 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 package Red Star® Platinum Superior Baking Yeast®, 1/4 oz. 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup milk 2 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1 large egg Filling 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1/4 cup granulated sugar Glaze 1 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 Tablespoons milk/cream Directions: Make the dough: Set aside 1/2 cup of flour. In a large bowl, toss 2 and 1/4 cups flour, the sugar, salt, and yeast together until evenly

dispersed. Set aside. Heat the water, milk, and butter together in the microwave until the mixture is very warm, but not too hot to touch, about 125-130°F. Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and only enough of the reserved flour to make a soft dough. Dough will be ready when it gently pulls away from the side of the bowl and has an elastic consistency. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes. Place in a lightly greased bowl and let rest for 10 minutes. Make the filling: After 10 minutes, roll the dough out in a 14x8 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter on top. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle it over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly. Cut into 11 even pieces and place in a lightly greased 9-inch round pan or pie dish. Loosely cover the rolls with aluminum foil and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 6090 minutes. After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned. Cover the rolls with aluminum foil after 15 minutes to avoid heavy browning, if you prefer. Make the glaze. Top the cinnamon rolls with glaze right before serving. H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 15

Twist

A New on a Holiday Snack Tradition The holiday season is filled with family food traditions, from stuffing and pumpkin pie, to festive cakes and frosted sugar cookies. This year, wow your family, guests and friends with a fun, crunchy twist on the great tastes of holiday favorites. No one can replace grandma’s classic pie recipe, but have a little fun and surprise your family and friends. With creative takes on traditional dishes, Chex® Party Mix will help you wow your guests with familiar flavors and aromas, served up in a playful way that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to re-create the taste of each of these treats in a quick, delicious party mix. Visit www.ChexPartyMix.com for more than 150 party mix recipes that can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes. 16 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Peppermint and Chocolate Chex® Mix Featuring melted white chocolate, crushed candy canes and a dark chocolate drizzle, it’s easy to add holiday cheer with this festive mix.

top. Let stand in refrigerator until set, about 5 minutes. Gently break into clusters. Store in airtight container.

Chex® Pumpkin Pie Crunch

This recipe is great served in your favorite colorful pie plate. Prep Time: 10 Minutes Set the pie plate out on the Start to Finish: 15 Minutes table with the other dishes, Makes: 16 servings (1/2 cup and put a scooper out so each) guests can help themselves. For party favors, leave small 3 cups Rice Chex® cereal 3 cups Chocolate Chex® bags next to the pie plate and ask guests to take a bag home cereal 1 bag (12 ounces) white for an extra treat later. vanilla baking chips Prep Time: 15 Minutes (2 cups) 1/2 cup coarsely crushed Start to Finish: 15 Minutes peppermint candy canes Makes: 16 servings (1/2 cup each) (16 mini, unwrapped) 1/4 cup dark chocolate 1/4 cup brown sugar chips 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice Mix cereals in large microwav- 1/4 cup butter able bowl. Line cookie sheet 2 teaspoons vanilla with foil or waxed paper. 2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal In microwavable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in half the crushed peppermint candy.

2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal 2 cups Honey Nut Chex® cereal 8 ounces pecans In small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In small microwavesafe dish, microwave butter on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In large microwavable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated. Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes or until mixture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in airtight container. Note: Make mix up to two weeks ahead and store in airtight container.

Pour over cereal; toss to evenly coat. Spread mixture in single layer on cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle with remaining candy. Melt dark chocolate chips in microwave on High 50 to 60 seconds or until chips can be stirred smooth; drizzle over H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 17

SAINT LOUIS

HAPPENINGS DECEMBER 2013

ing opportunity to learn more about the amazing life of Owls. Spend an evening with a WBS naturalist who will introduce you to live owls and their unique calls. Then, take an easy night hike through our grounds to try and call in a wild owl.

Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House Now through January 5

Missouri Botanical Garden www.mobot.org See the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the holidays in true Victorian style. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Enjoy storytelling on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Don’t miss the special activities for children!

Christmas Traditions Now-December 22

Main Street, Saint Charles www.stcharleschristmas.com The celebration is staged in a charming village on the Missouri River know as Saint Charles. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of horses’ hooves on the brick street, and the sweet holiday music of the fife. Capture in your mind the essence, that time in America when life was simpler, and Christmas was elegant and magical. Regardless of the evening or weekend you choose to visit Christmas Traditions, we promise you will find the genuine, warm tradition of a Saint Charles welcome. The hospitality of Christmas Traditions is exceeded only by the very magical Spirit of Christmas.

Owl Prowls

Select Days Now through March 8

World Bird Sanctuary http://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org Come over to the Dark Side and meet those amazing birds that exist by moonlight. Owl Prowls offer an excit18 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra ”The Lost Christmas Eve” - The Encore and Final Performance! December 23

Scottrade Center www.scottradecenter.com For one final year, audiences will get to experience the modern Charles Dickens-like classic, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” Performances are at 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Raja’s 21st Birthday Celebration December 27

Saint Louis Zoo www.stlzoo.org Weather permitting, zookeepers and volunteers will host a birthday party for Raja, the first Asian elephant born at the zoo, at his habitat in River’s Edge. They have constructed giant presents for the party, filled with some of the elephant’s favorite things, including cereal, melons, bananas, popcorn and more. Visitors are invited to sing “Happy Birthday” and cheer for Raja when he comes out to “open” his gifts. There will also be activities at Lakeside Cafe, including keeper chats and elephant activities.

First Night-St. Louis December 31

Grand Center District www.firstnightstl.org A winter celebration featuring visual and performing arts, musicians, storytellers, dancers, magicians, actors, puppeteers and visual and media artists. The opening ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Grand and Lindell. Children’s fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and Grand Finale Fireworks at midnight.

The Wedding Show January 4-5

America’s Center www.stlbrideandgroom.com The Wedding Show takes the stress out of your wedding planning. In just one afternoon you will see more wedding businesses than you could visit in a month on your own. We bring you a face-to-face sampling of virtually everything you’ll need to make your wedding day perfect with over 200 wedding exhibits!

Soulard Mardi Gras-Twelfth Night January 6

Noontime New Year’s Eve December 31

The Magic House www.magichouse.org Happy New Year! Ring in the new year a little bit early with a Noontime New Year celebration at The Magic House. New Year’s revelers of all ages (even those with a bedtime!) are invited to strike a pose in a photo booth with fun 2014-themed props, dance the day away to some rockin’ tunes and even participate in a special countdown to noon, complete with the dropping of a sparkly New Year’s Eve ball! Noontime New Year’s Eve activities are free with Museum admission, reservations are not required.

Gateway Arch Riverboats New Year’s Eve Cruise

Johnny’s in Soulard www.stlmardigras.org The traditional beginning of Mardi Gras, twelve nights after Christmas. Hear the reading of the proclamation on the steps of Johnny’s followed by a musical procession ending at the corner of 7th & Soulard where the Soulard Mardi Gras flag will rise and fireworks signal the official start of the Mardi Gras season in Soulard.

Soulard Mardi Gras-Twelfth Night January 6

December 31

Gateway Arch Riverboats www.gatewayarch.com Ring in 2014 on a three-and-a-half hour cruise on the Mississippi River on a replica of a 19th century steamboat. The evening includes dinner featuring filet mignon and jumbo shrimp, open bar, music by a live DJ and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Must be 21 and older. Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display at Westport Plaza December 31

Wesport Plaza www.westportstl.com Enjoy the New Year at Westport Plaza with a spectacular fireworks display at 6:00 p.m. and complimentary carriage rides from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge January 18-19

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays Watch eagles fishing, riding ice floes, soaring overhead and roosting in nearby tree while having access to an educational program featuring a live eagle and warming tent activities. Lewis and Clark history demonstrations will also be held on both Bridge entrances. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 19

MEET OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED AGENTS Susan Brewer 314.540.0734

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Stacy Iffrig 636.734.1364

Our team of Independent Realtors is ready to help you achieve your Real Estate dreams! At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, our goal is to help you realize your real estate goals while giving you the highest level of service possible. Our office utilizes the very latest in technology and by using our proven marketing strategies and unique concepts, we can sell our listings for higher dollar and in a shorter amount of time than our competitors - no matter what their size. Give us a call today and let us show you the

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